We’re often asked how to fit in when visiting Hawaii as COVID restrictions are soon to be lifted. So we came up with a just revised list to give a hand to questioning minds.
And before going on, should the title be Dos and Dont’s or as we prefer Do’s and Don’ts? It is generally suggested that when written in books, the preference is for the former, whereas for the internet, the best choice is the latter.
Do’s And Don’ts in Hawaii Now
Fight the urge to make U-turns on the highway.
We can’t recall how many times have we mentioned this before, nor how many times we continue to see this. Driving here is relaxed. Slow down and enjoy the scenery. It’s a quintessential aspect of the Hawaii experience. And please, please avoid u-turns even on two-lane highways at all costs. This is not Disneyland. While highways here in Hawaii can appear likely country roads, they can be as deadly as freeways on the mainland. Don’t be complacent.
Drive something other than a convertible.
No problem at all if you do, but yes, you will stand out. Also, think about sun damage to your skin and unexpected rain that drops seemingly from out of nowhere.
Wear shoes that aren’t new, aren’t white, and are appropriate.
Too clean shoes will look like you’re just off the plane. If you’re on Kauai, for example, remember how our red dirt can and will permanently stain the best of shoes and clothes. Don’t wear sandals on trails, it’s just an accident waiting to happen. Would you believe we’ve seen many people over the years hiking Diamond Head crater in both flip-flops and high-heels?
Consider removing shoes when entering someone’s home.
That’s considered polite. Need to wear shoes indoors? No problem. Just bring a separate pair of indoor slippers. That’s the akamai way.
Simple directions and the important distinction between Mauka and Makai.
Makai means towards the ocean while Mauka means towards the mountain or inland. Simple. Directions work differently in Hawaii. Other than on Oahu, we don’t generally refer to highways by names or numbers. Also, in many cases using landmarks is more common in directions than street names.
Home is the mainland, not, “the states.”
While it’s certainly a long way to North America, you’re not on foreign soil here. Canadians and other international visitors are exempt.
Aloha is often as much a feeling between people rather than a word in daily conversation.
First, aloha is how you deal with people with whom you interact. Do you let them turn in traffic, or instead block their way? Here’s a hint – we don’t do it the same way as on the mainland.
In terms of speaking, a nice “hello” and “thanks” work too. Many of us use Aloha and Mahalo more frequently in our written communication. Or when hanging up the phone.
Avoid matching aloha wear.
Aloha clothing is great and common, just not typically in matched family sets.
Bring home souvenirs but not rocks, sand, and other natural artifacts.
It’s considered environmental theft nowadays and just isn’t good karma. We’ll leave it at that. The best Hawaii souvenirs start here.
Please protect Hawaii’s coral reefs.
While Hawaii’s unique coral reefs are recovering, please do your part to protect them for generations to come. Use physical barrier-type sunscreens and don’t buy coral jewelry for starters.
Please add your thoughts too.
Updated 3/10/22.
I always caution people about the u turn thing. I was once caught in traffic going north of Kapaa(past the crawl) and later found out an elderly lady was driving with her husband and she made a sudden u turn and she got T-boned. The husband survived but alas, she did not. Also, stop and ask a local for directions instead of relying on the phone. You might just meet someone you would never have otherwise! There’s basically only one highway. Great article as always, Mahalo
Hi KauaiDoug.
Thanks for that, your input and your many comments.
Aloha.
One more suggestion for the list: Don’t honk your horn when driving! In Hawaii, it’s taken as a very aggressive and rude thing to do. Put your brain in zen mode when behind the wheel, be patient, and focus on how beautiful your surroundings are if you have to wait for someone to move.
Thanks to BoH for the great tips!
Hi Carolyn.
Yes, that’s a very good one. Thanks for that.
Aloha.
Tip #11:
When on the Kona side of the Big Island, turn Locations ON on your phone and Google County/State parks. Finding a restroom available for public use is difficult unless you’re at Target, Walmart, Safeway, or Costco. Most businesses(aside from dining in restaurants), & gas stations won’t let anyone use their restrooms. Majority of businesses are experiencing a severe crunch of employees and and are unable to constantly sanitize restrooms. Save yourself the misery and know where to go.
On Maui at the airport, at the agriculture check they always ask “Where are you headed?”
Almost always people say “the States”. They say “You are in the States” and laugh.
“Aloha clothing is great and common, just not typically in matched family sets.”
A true classic.
Thanks BOH guys. I’ll remember that one.
Hi Mike.
Thanks. LOL.
Aloha.
Aloha! It’s dos and don’ts, as the words are not possessive. Another Don’t is Don’t Honk! It’s rude!
I live here and call the mainland “the States,” because we share almost nothing with them. We on our own timezone, own weather, own culture, own geography, own attitude, own aloha, own driving style and much, much more. Nothing wrong with calling the “the States” and people there don’t seem to mind.
His and Her Matching Aloha Wear and Hats always make us smile…spotted from time to time on Ali’i Drive.
Aloha, We are going to Kauai in mid November. Do they do the Napali Coast cruises at that time or is the water too rough? Also, is it better to take the one from the South around? We will be traveling with my 75 year old mother in law. We have the Smith Family Luau booked, what else should we do? My husband and I have done the helicopter tour previously. Kayaking? zip line? We appreciate any advice! Please and Thank you!
Hi Karen.
For most current information, suggest calling one or more of the boat cruise providers directly. Your questions are more along lines of a guidebook, so high suggest Andrew’s book, https://amzn.to/2JZPDsX.
Aloha.
Highly recommend the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook, as well! Just ordered it for our December trip.
Can you Please tell me if there is such a thing as all-inclusive travel to Hawaii. I thinking of travel in early January 2020.
Thanks
Hi Linda.
Certainly there is all-inclusive. Some people find it more convenience, while others prefer to pick their trip components. More a matter of preference rather than of cost savings.
Aloha.
I do a lot of walking while in Honolulu because I do not rent a car. Shuttles are available from the airport to the hotels. Staying near Waikiki and not in it makes for a less stressful visit. Using bus service works out great and if on social security you can ride the bus around Oahu for $1.
I received the following notification from our Kauai rental company. Is this a factual representation or a manufactured new law. I do not understand how this can be legal, legitimate or proper since it represents a charge made retroactively. Our reservations were made in March of this year. Your thoughts, please. .
“Due to Act 20 which was signed into law on April 23, 2019 by the Governor of the State of Hawaii the Transient Accommodations tax rate is now also applicable on “any mandatory charge or surcharge imposed by an operator, owner, or representative thereof to a transient for the use of the transient accommodation’s property, services, or amenities.” .
This means that the state transient accommodations tax will now be applicable to the cleaning fee and the reservation processing fee noted on your reservation. These fees have already been subject to the General Excise tax. This affects all guests staying on or after this date, for all islands in the State of Hawaii – regardless of when the reservation was made or when any payments were made. You can read additional details about this by clicking the following link – http://files.hawaii.gov/tax/legal/tir/tir19-02.pdf from the State of Hawaii’s website.
Hi Karen.
It is our understanding that what you were told is correct.
Aloha.
I believe it is applied to the cleaning fee, but not the reservation processing fee.
Welcome to the “new” Hawaii.
Just curious about the convertible comment. When I reserved a rental a car on each island, they offered me convertibles cheaper on two of the four. We haven’t gone yet (May), so is that why the convertible rental will be cheaper?
Hi Carole,
Not sure why they would be cheaper.
Aloha.
Hawaii has always been my dream. This year I am robbing my retirement and going. It will be only onvce and I want it to be my dream come true. Can you tell me, please, how to avoid open mouth wonder and tears of joy?
Thankyou. 🙂
Jeanne –
The ‘open mouth wonder and tears of joy’ are what make the first time for anything so special and wonderful. Enjoy it.
Try not to squeeze too many activities into your visit – especially if it is a short one. I recommend 2 weeks – especially if you are flying from the Midwest or beyond.
Which island? Try not to visit two or more islands if you only have one week. Just pick one. They are all different and ALL wonderful. You cannot go wrong.
We took our very first trip to Hawaii in 2004. Maui. It was wonderful. Now, 15 years later and 7 trips to Hawaii later, we will visit Maui again. Cannot wait.
So slow down and saver the pace, people, food, views and sounds. No place like Hawaii!!
I just returned from Maui and Honolulu and wanted to give everyone an update on the parking situation in Waikiki. Sadly the previously inexpensive parking at the Waikiki Banyan has been increased to $20/day, no weekly passes and cash only. This is a huge increase since I was there in 2013 when it was only about $12/day.
Going to Waikiki in June. Where’s the best place reasonably priced place to park?
If you are staying by the Hilton hawiian village there are free spots by the beach but the marina is $1/hour (if you can find a spot) but overnight the marina is usually empty. I actually got a Turo rental and arranged with my Turo owner to have their car delivered to my hotel and had them pick it up that night around 1030-11p so I wouldnt incur parking charges and rental through turo was cheaper.
“Home is the mainland, not, the states.”
While on Kauai attending E Kanikapila Kakou 2016, Carol Yotsuda, our favorite Auntie, kept telling us: Kauai is the Main Land, The states are the Continent!
I think she has it right, Kauai, and the rest of Hawaii is the MAIN LAND that we all want to visit and want to move to!
Aloha!
No wrong. Hawaii is an Island. The Mainland is all states except Hawaii. I lived in Hawaii for almost 30 years. Just be sure you never say you live in the United States, when you’re in Hawaii. Hawaii is in the United States. Thank you.
Hawaii is in the United States. If you live in Illinois, as I did before I moved to Hawaii, I was living on the mainland. Thank you
I have such a hard time remembering to remove my shoes before entering a house on Kauai, which is correct etiquette. Coming from the midwest where it is never done unless shoes are muddy- I have to make a conscious effort to remember as I do not want to offend my wonderful Hawaii friends. Want to fit in? Remember to remove slippahs!
Hi Julie.
You’re the perfect guest!
Aloha.
Try removing your shoes at home as well. Those of us who have adopted this custom find our homes are SO much cleaner Keep a basket of sock-slippers by the door for your visitors.
We have rubber slippers that only stay inside the house.
I remove my footwear as a sign of respect while staying in HI but it seems unnatural. I leave my shoes on while on the mainland and have yet to find my home overwhelmingly dirty by comparison. Whatever floats your boat!
We remove our shoes at home also, but not sure what to do when staying at a hotel? Are we expecting to remove our shoes before entering the lobby?
Mahalo
Hi Debi,
You’re joking with us. No that isn’t expected. Hotels are hotels and no such thing would be appropriate.
Aloha.